Maestro Pasta — Restaurant in New York

See my other reviews... This is NOT my first restaurant as you can see (Top 10% ) . ** I have visited Italy and dined at "real Italian" restaurants from Florence thru St Francis Assisi mountain region..... This is MY opinion after dining there. Came for Colleuges funeral in area and we decided to eat here after -- almost decided to drive 5-10min to Little Italy and probably should have. Food was "okay"... Nothing special (and we tried 5 different pastas).... Prices were very high (over $30/pasta dish).... I truly do not understand this current 4.6 rating... Only 1 table was in the restaurant when we arrived and the Italian restaurant across the street was packed...should have used common sense but I failed. Loved the look/ambiance of this restaurant so we tried it out. $258 later (5 people and only 1 beer!) .... Starting we were asked about water...usually water is free but they try to pad their customer invoices by asking about water BUT turns out they are selling bottles instead! NOT nice but this set the tone for the rest of the evening

Food -- again, average flavour and much smaller portions than other NYC Italian restaurants I have frequented . NO BREAD !! What Italian restaurant does not give/have bread!?!?! When asked they said we have no bread but we have a "roll" and "focaccia".... Again, trying to find ways to increase customer invoice!!?? Ok, I ordered Focaccia but rec'

d Greek flat/pita bread (see image). For any Italian, Focaccia is 1"-2" thick, very dense with usually fresh tomatoes on top. THIS, is NOT FOCACCIA!!

Finally, asked for butter (my wife loves butter with bread) but waiter started saying they don't have and it's an Italian restaurant....what does that mean?? One of your Sauce bases IS Butter!!! How hard is it to take a small ramekin, add butter from kitchen and give it to your customer?? You would rather say no, argue with table and then say "I will go ask my manager" and then never come back... WOW.... am I paying or is the restaurant?? Crazy mentality, I don't care where you are from/location....

Waiter came when I asked for check and handed me portable CC machine .. did not mention they auto added a tip (for a party of 5 people?!?!).... I only see total amount, no details nor do I know if they added 20, 25 or 30 percent tip!! Life is too short but WOW, another part of the scam in using technology to keep details from your eyes!!!

As leaving, "Owner" asked me how things were and I replied "okay". As I am outside on sidewalk area, He presses the Convo so I politely told him how I thought the service re, butter was totally wrong. He again said we are an Italian restaurant, to which I said you are surrounded by 15 other Italian restaurants, you are NOT even in Little Italy, you are in NYC and EVERY Italian restaurant i have been to in NYC or abroad all had butter. He continues to argue but I just stopped and said You asked me, I did not approach or complain to you until you asked...next time, if you don't want honest feedback, don't ask! So, rating started at 5pts .. minus 1/2 PT for waiter/owner/butter issue, 1/2 point for auto tipping, 1/2 point for ok flavor , 1/2 point for small portions, 1/2 point for bread scam and 1/2 point for water scam.

Go if you want but do not expect amazing flavour and expect to pay more than you should .......

SIX-STAR joint!—No joke, one of the best dining and social experiences I've had in the last 10 years.

I stumbled upon Maestro Pizza spontaneously while bouncing around the village with friends, looking for a good time. A friend recognized the place as we passed and insisted we drop in briefly for a bottle of red and some cold cuts and cheese. Before we knew it, we were chatting comfortably with the owner and the staff about northern Italian cooking, pizza techniques, and everything in between.

Our group of three shared an outstanding Prosciutto e Parmigiano board (delicious and seriously generous/sharing portions) and a bowl of Mezzelune al Tartufo made fresh right in front of us, by a dude with a cool hat who calmly cranking out handmade pasta shapes like he’d been doing it forever. The owner unexpectedly treated us to a basket of Torta Fritta (fried bread) with creamy Stracchino cheese—a classy and generous touch.

But what really made this place special wasn’t just the fantastic (and surprisingly affordable) wine, dishes and cheeses, or the creative décor (think super cool rustic/urban copper pipe lighting and chairs that actually swing). It was the genuine warmth and friendliness of the owner and his staff.

To illustrate just how awesome this place is: While talking pizza styles and fermentation techniques, the owner recommended Denino’s across the street—a spot already on my radar for its great reviews and high OneBite rating. Mid-service, he literally walked over, ordered a pizza, and had it delivered right to our table within 10 minutes. We ended up sharing it with the staff over another bottle of wine. And here's the kicker—he refused to charge us for the pizza or even let us pay him back. Who does that?

This is easily the longest review I've ever written about a meal—and trust me, eating great food while traveling is my thing. But this was one of those rare experiences that was about more than just food. It was about good friends, meeting new ones, and finding a genuine, welcoming spot that made our entire weekend.

One last thought: I've only visited northern Italy briefly, but Maestro Pizza instantly reminded me of the warmth and generosity I experienced there. Small eateries where owners genuinely love sharing their regional specialties just because they're proud of them—that’s exactly the vibe Maestro captures. It's these small gestures that make this place...

Maestro Pasta is a culinary gem in the heart of NYC, offering an unparalleled Italian dining experience. From the moment you step in, the ambiance transports you to the streets of Italy. The menu is a symphony of flavors, featuring authentic Italian dishes that tantalize the taste buds.

What sets Maestro Pasta apart is not just the delectable cuisine but also the impeccable service. The staff's attention to detail and genuine passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience elevate this restaurant to a whole new level. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and using the finest ingredients.

The pasta is a revelation, perfectly al dente and paired with rich, flavorful sauces. The menu offers a variety of options, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're a fan of classic favorites or adventurous enough to try their unique creations, Maestro Pasta delivers on every front.

The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends. The staff's knowledge of the menu and their thoughtful recommendations add a personal touch to the dining experience.

In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, Maestro Pasta stands out as a true maestro in the art of Italian cuisine. This restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a celebration of food, culture, and exceptional service. A definite 5-star dining destination that leaves you longing for your next visit.

A special mention goes to Chef's wife, Eliza, whose warmth and hospitality added an extra layer of magic to our dining experience at Maestro Pasta. Her genuine and sweet demeanor made us feel as if we were welcomed into her own home. Eliza's personal touch, combined with the culinary delights from the kitchen, created an atmosphere that goes beyond a typical restaurant visit. It's this unique blend of exquisite cuisine and heartfelt hospitality that sets Maestro Pasta apart, making it a truly exceptional dining...